Homeowners typically consider hardwood, porcelain tile, ceramic or even bamboo when thinking about flooring options throughout their house.
Materials like linoleum and vinyl, which were popular choices for homes built during the mid-20th century, are usually overlooked.
Who can blame them? Mentioning the material to adults of a certain age conjures images of geometric patterns in milk chocolate brown and dull yellow.
However, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that today's vinyl flooring options are beautiful, affordable and durable.
Personal style drives the selection of materials when designing a home.
Options can be narrowed when budget and function are taken into consideration.
Homeowners who love the look of stone or hardwood might be disappointed to learn that these options do not fit into their budget or are not well suited for certain areas of the house.
Vinyl flooring can be the ideal compromise in these situations.
The look of wood planks and stone tiles can be replicated in the manufacturing process.
Color and pattern options are limitless.
The quality of the pattern you select depends on the manufacturing process, which in turn drives the cost.
Inlaid is the more durable type.
In this process, colored granules are deeply etched into the material to form the pattern.
Rotogravure is a printing process in which the pattern is printed directly onto the material, which is then coated with a clear protective layer.
This material also comes in three different types that vary in price.
Sheets come in 6- or 12-foot widths in prepared rolls.
It can be installed seamlessly, which makes it well suited for bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms.
Tiles are manufactured in squares and are available in a variety of patterns.
Self-adhesive tiles can be easily installed.
They are also easily replaced in case one of them is damaged.
Finally, planks come in pieces four to six inches wide by three or four feet long.
Aesthetics aside, there are a number of great reasons to choose this material for your surfaces.
Vinyl flooring is a great option because it is highly durable.
The material can last between 10 and 20 years if it is properly maintained.
Its ability to resist scratching and damage depends on the construction of your product.
Printed tiles and sheets have a clear coating that protects the material from stains or spills.
Solid and composite types are resistant to damage from scratches.
Fiberglass reinforced sheets are durable, pliable and resist damage.
This option is also ideal for pet owners.
The surface is comfortable and can stand up to pets' nails and messes.
Vinyl flooring is one of the best options for bathrooms and kitchens.
The material is nearly impervious to water when installed properly.
Furthermore, it is more comfortable to stand on for long periods of time than an alternative like concrete.
It does not get cold in the winter and some sheets or tiles come with a padded layer.
Talk to a decorator or surface expert about the many options and advantages vinyl offers.
The material might be a good compromise for your style and budget.